Van Hunt - s/t

Name:Van Hunt
Album: s/t
Year: 2003
Style: R&B, Funk, Soul
Similar Bands: Maxwell, Codu ChesnuTT, D'Angelo, Erykah Badu, Chocolate Genius
"One-Word" Review: Funky, Slick Bedroom Eyes
Based Out Of: Dayton OH
Label: Capitol, EMI

Cover, Liner Notes

Lyrics, CD, CD Tray

Poster CD Back

Van Hunt (2003)

1. Dust 4:14 (Single)
2. Seconds of Pleasure 5:40 (Single)
3. Hello, Goodbye 4:25
4. Down Here in Hell (With You) 4:49 (Single)
5. What Can I Say (For Millicent) 4:46
6. Anything (To Get Your Attention) 3:28
7. Highlights 5:35
8. Precious 4:29
9. Her December 4:16
10. Hold My Hand 3:50
11. Who Will Love Me in Winter 4:15
12. Out of the Sky 5:10

Album Rating (1-10): 6.0

Members & Other Bands:

• Andrew Slater - Exec Producer, Additional Production
• Randy Jackson - Exec Producer, Mgmt
• Van Hunt - Exec Producer & Producer, Writer, Arranger, Performer (Royalty, Dionne Farris, Cree Summer, Sam Moore, Nikka Costa, Rahsaan Patterson, Joi, Count BassD, Sam Moore, The Decoders, Nate Smith, Billy Lawrence, Afghan Wigs)
• Howard Willing - Additional Producing, A&R, Recording
• Curtis Whitehead - Writing, Rhythm & Acoustic Guitar, Bass (Count BassD, Curtis Harding)
• Mary Fagot - Creative Director
• Tait Hawes - Art Direction, Design
• Chris James - Recording
• Bill Malina - Recording
• Dave Way - Mixing
• Creed - Backing Vox (Kenny Dope, Karizma)
• Ro - Backing Vox (Kenny Dope, Karizma)
• Amy White - Backing Vox (Douglas, Linus and Amy, Controversy, Purple Mixed Adult Choir, West Indian Girl, Kenny Dope, Karizma, M83, Mononoid, David Wilcox)
• Matt Chamberlain - Drums (Many, Pearl Jam, Edie Brikell & New Bohemians, Tori Amos, Bruce Springsteen, Mike Gordon, Brad Mehldau, Wild Colonials, Aaron Neville, WallFlowers, Fiona Apple, Critters Buggin, Corrs, Chris isaak, Bruce Hornsby, Melissa Ethridge, Macy Gray, Willy Porter, DC Talk, Lisa Loeb...)
• Patrick Warren - Melotron (Many, Michael Penn, Vic Chestnutt, Madeline Peyroux, Charlie Sexton, X, Aimee Mann, Fiona Apple, Wallflowers, Chris Isaak, Phantom Planet, Remy Zero, Hootie & the Blowfish, Bijou Phillips, Macy Gray, Melissa Ethridge...)
• Isaac Curtis - Trombone
• Nolan Smith - Trumpet (Baya, Count Baise Orch, Buddy Collette Big Band, Al Williams Quintet, Blackbyrds, DJ Rogers, Jimmy Smith, les McCann, Karen Pree, Carrie Lucas, Carole King, Willie Bobo, Norman Connors, Bill Quateman, John Mayall, Freddie Hubbard, Marvin Gaye, Brotherhood, Natalie Cole, Diana Ross, Phil Collins, Anita Baker, Stevie Wonder, more)
• Daryl Richards - Alto Sax (Kirk Whalum, Norman Connors)
• Daniel Solomon - Tenor Sax, Horns Arrangement (Rick Margitza)
• Annie Stela - Backing Vox (Third Eye Blind)
• Truth - Backing Vox, Moog, Wurlitzer 
• Tim Leblanc - Mixing
• Dwight Farrell - Celeste (Count BassD)
• Larry James - Percussion, Drums (Avery Sunshine)
• Kevin Guarnieri - Recording
• Kevin Ricard - Percussion (Kenny Loggins, East West Band, Flamenco Dura, Tonight Show Band, East West Band, Johnson & Branson, Matt Bianco, Herb Alpert, MVP, Starr Parodi, Juan Carlos Quintero, Susie Hansen, Ciro Hurtado, Rie Akagi, Marc Russo, Robi Kahakalau, Wayne Shorter, Masayoshi Takanaka, Larry Steen, BB Shawn, Bobby Lyle, Zero Ted, Nils, Everette Harp, Venice, Kleber Jorge, Speak, Rob Mullins, Eric Gulliom, Gloria Loring, Rickie Byars, Daniel Indart Project, Wayne Jones, Kevin Toney, Chris Bennett, Take 6, George Kahn, Rhian Benson, Elan, Impromp2, Shelby Lynne, Ann Nesby, Pat Longo, Kids of Widney High, Queen Latifah, Oskar Cartaya, Gerald Albright, Will Downing, Christina Aguilera, Everette Harp, LaToya London, Kurt Carr, George Benson, Corey Clark, Dave Rodgers, Natalie Cole, Lynne Fiddmont, Faramarz Assef, LA Guitar Quartet, Everlife, Jill Scott, Marek Niedzwiecki, SMV, Stephen Bishop, Paul Jackson Jr, James Ingram, Bill Fulton, Amanda McBroom, Carol Welsman, Dorian Holley, Norman Brown, Christian Dupree, Christophe Beck, Dan Fornero, Toni Reed, Dave Koz, Tina Campbell, Orgone, Clair Fischer Latin Jazz Band, Jazz Funk Soul, Paul Brown, David Garfield)
• David Campbell - String Arrangement (Campbell-Kurban String Section, Clockwork Angles String Ensemble, James Taylor, Cher, Linda Ronstandt, Neil Diamond, Billy Joel, Carole King, James Brown, Many Many More)
• Melissa Mattey - Recording, Mixing
• Ray Brown - Trumpet (Count Baise Orch, Earth Wind & Fire, Madagascar, Horns of Fire, Donald Byrd, Hubert Laws, Con Funk Shun, SOS Band, More)
• Ta Ta - Backing Vox
• Wendy Melvoin - Rhythm Guitar (Girl Bros, Peace Choir, Prince & the Revolution, The Flesh, Wendy & Lisa, Andre Cymone, Joni Mitchell, Seal, BB KIng, Eric Clapton, Latin Playboys, Neil Finn, Melba Moore many more)
• Paul Franklin - Pedal Steel (Dicie Pearls, The Time Jumpers, Dire Straits, Lyle Lovett, Gary Parker, Parliament, Slim Whitman, Charlie McCoy, Mel Tillis, Jerry Reed, Chicken String Band, BJ Thomas, George Strait, Tammy Wynette, Lyle Lovett, Randy Travis, Barbara Mandrell  Many Many More)
• Peter Mokran - Mixing
• Lenny Castro - Percussion (Jazz Express, Karizma, Larsen-Feiten Band, Los Lobotomys, Steve Vai's Monsters, Toto, Melissa Manchester, Rita Coolidge, Leo Sayer, Diana Ross, Pointer Sisters, Paul Anka, Dusty Springfield, Robert Palmer, Kiss, Olivia Newton-John, Gary Wright, Shotgun, Wet Willie much more)
• Jermaine Rand - Acoustic Guitar (The Rand Experiment, Jahallah, Playa G, Blackperl, MC Divinity, Steve Joz)
• Terry McMillen - Harmonica (The Players, Michael McDonald, Bobby Charles, Ronnie Milsap, Jerry Reed, Chet Atkins, Frank Sinatra Jr, Ray Stevens, Dolly Parton, Barbara Mandrell, Bobby Bare, Burl Ives, Crystal Gayle, many more)
• Dionne Farris - Backing Vox (Arrested Development, Charlie Hunter, Immature, TLC, Xscape, El Debarge, Count Bass D, Guru's Jazzmatazz)
• Jeff Wright - Asst Recording
• Kevin Paige - Asst Recording
• Adam Deane - Asst Recording
• Tony High - Asst Recording
• Kevin Pickle - Asst Recording
• David Streit - Asst Recording
• Charlie Paakkarl - Asst Recording
• Steve Genewick - Asst Recording
• Jimmy Hoyson - Asst Recording
• Chris Reynolds- Asst Recording
• Kevin Deane - Asst Recording
• Aaron Kessel - Asst Recording
• Jesse Gorman - Asst Recording
• Cesar Ramirez- Asst Recording
• Jennifer Young - Asst Recording
• Ari Famila - Asst Recording
• Aaron Familia - Asst Recording

Unknown-ness: I remember hearing about Van Hunt when he first came out, but never paid much attention past that. Assuming he's similar to Maxwell or Jamiroquai, with more of a 60's psych influence, perhaps closer to the Black Eye Peas, who I honestly don't know much about in the first place. But i imagine smooth, slightly psychedelic, sexy bedroom vibe R&B tracks

Album Review: The album kicks off with a great slice of catchy pop. And then it settles into a nice smooth R&B groove for the rest of the record, with a little funk added, but mostly mod-setting jams.

Van Hunt has grown up around musical roots, and can play nearly any instrument. He's floated around between labels and self-releasing for years, and even won a grammy for a collaboration for a Sly & Family Stone tribute with John Legend & Joss Stone. He's been in a relationship with Halle Berry since 2020.

Stand Out Track: Dust

Links:
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July'22 show

Tasties (The) - Shy Down Girl

Name: The Tasties
Album: Shy Down Girl
Year: 1999
Style: Pub Rock, Power Pop
Similar Bands: Ween, GBV, Redd Kross, Posies, Lemonheads, Ramones, Pixies, Dramarama
"One-Word" Review: Brashy In Your Face Catchy Jams
Based Out Of: Dayton, OH
Label: Rockathon Records

Cover & Back

Lyrics, CD Back, CD

Shy Girl Down (1999)

1. Shy Girl Down 2:38
2. Lotuc House 2:14
3. It's the Love 2:23
4. Face 2:54
5. Over and Over 2:28
6. Mystery of Life 2:05
7. Laura 2:22
8. Bag 1:51
9. Mary Go Round 2:41
10. Porcelain Green 2:08
11. Collision 2:22
12. Just Like a Briar 1:08
13. Tits on Fire 2:08
14. Ooh 1:53
15. Just Call Me Crazy 2:25
16. You Against Me 3:04

Album Rating (1-10): 8.5

Members & Other Bands:

• Nate Farley - Producer
• John Shough - Producer, Engineer
• Todd Prenat - Exec Producer
• Bob Pollard - Sequencing (Guided By Voices)
• Tere Lerma - Lyrics, Vox, Bass, Guitar (Lexo & the Leapers)
• Gale Bonham - Guitar, Bass (Lexo & the Leapers, Robert Pollard)
• Luis Lerma - Drums (Rockafellas, Team Void, The Amps, Pleasures Pale, The Dates, The Breeders, Venus Love Circut, New Creatures)
• Brett Owsley - Keys (Robert Pollard)
• Randy Prenat - Photos
• Greg Holsten - Photos
• Bill Mathews - Cover Art
• Nick Kizirnis - Layout

Unknown-ness: Never heard of this band. When i picked it out of the dollar bin, i was assuming it was a girl-indie pop or edgy punky rock band. Like Softies or Bratmobile. And if it weren't for the pics inside and the name drop of Bob Pollard of GBV, i'd have still thought that. But i think this record is going to be more in the short, drunk rock (only 1 / 16 songs is over 3 min @ 3:04) genre. 

Album Review: The music is basically distortion heavy, fuzzy pub pop that comes off as very catchy. Plenty of influence with, of, and by Robert Pollard, as they are all from the Dayton area. Gale & Tere also back Robert Pollard in an outfit called Lexo & The Leapers. Most of the info about this record is tied to Pollard & the Lexo band, but there are some real good classic late 80's barroom rock grunge.

Stand Out Track: It's the Love (live), Porcelain Green (as used in a commercial)

Links:

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Lexo & the Leapers All Music

Kinda Muzik - Rockathon interview
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Capital City Rockets - s/t

Name: Capital City Rockets
Album: s/t
Year: 1973
Style: Honky-Tonk, Pub Rock, Southern-Bluesy Rock
Similar Bands: ZZ Top, Cheap Trick, Bay City Rollers, J. Geils Band, Black Crows, Mooney Suzuki
"One-Word" Review: run-of-the-mill-honky-tonk-blues
Based Out Of: Columbus OH
Label: Elektra, Warner

Cover & Record

Record & Back

Capital City Rockets (1973)

1. Ten Hole Dollars 3:24
2. Grab Your Honey 3:01 (single b-side)
3. Little Bit O'Fun 2:59 (cover)
4. Come Back Baby 2:41
5. People Are Losing 4:53 / 
6. Breakfast in Bed 3:13 (single)
7. Newcomer Blues 2:53
8. My Orange Tie 3:18
9. Searchlight 3:31
10. Still Kicking 3:49

Album Rating (1-10): 6.5

Members & Other Bands:

• Jamie Lyons - Lead Vox (the Music Explosion, the Burners, Hard Sauce, Kasenetz-Katz)
• Robert Hill - Guitar, Vox (Godz, Sky King, Debonairs, Bishops, Four Winds, Goldfinger, Strongbow, Climax)
• Michael (Bopper) Warner -  Guitar, Vox (Hard Sauce, Four O'Clock Balloon)
• Eric Moore - Bass (Godz, Sky King, Tree, American Dog)
• Jerry Hertig - Drums (Hard Sauce, Adrian Belew)
• Bobbye Hall - Congas (Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Bob Dylan, Carole King, Joni Mitchell, James Taylor, Bill Withers, Butterfield Blues Band, Janis Joplin, Mamas and Papas many more)
• Gregory Prestopino - Piano (Celine Dion, Natalie Cole, Puff Daddy, Aaron Neville, Bette Midler, Livingston Taylor, Wendy Waldman, Maria Muldaur, Bonnie Raitt. Ry Cooder, John Prine, Loudon Wainwright III, Juice Newton, Gary Wright, Dan Bern, Arlo Guthrie, Kate & AnnaMcGarrigle)
• Fritz Richmond - Engineer, Remix
• Ed Caraeff - Photography
• Robert L. Heimall - Art Direction & Design

Unknown-ness: Never heard of these guys, but the logo looks right out of a late-90's emo punk band, and the back cover looks like they could be a 70's punk band in rollerderby outfits. I'm excited to hear what these guys make...it will probably just be some basic powerpop/rock, seeing as it's 1973.

Album Review: This was a one and done album from this band, who had roots in the Columbus OH scene for years before and after in other small bands. They are indeed a pub rock band with a bit of southern blues, a bit of revitalized oldies rock n roll, and smatterings of power pop. All of their songs are energetic, but nothing really stands out as the clear single or hook.

Stand Out Track: My Orange Tie

Links:
youtube full album
discogs
Something Else
facebook
allmusic
buckeye beat
rate your music
steve hoffman forum
Robert christgau

Spittin' Image - s/t

Name: Spittin' Image
Album: s/t
Year: 1982
Style: New Wave, Power Pop
Similar Bands: Pat Benatar, Scandal, Blondie, Robin Lane, Threshold, 10 Wheel Drive
"One-Word" Review: Rough and Tumble Alley Rock
Based Out Of: Columbus, Ohio
Label: MCA Records

Cover, Record

Record, Back

Spittin' Image (1982)

1. Hold Everything 3:40 (single)
2. Rock and Roll Boy 3:23
3. Let Me Stay 4:30
4. Life and Change 3:17
5. You're Gone 2:47 /
6. Grandview Girls 3:49
7. Boy's A Dancer 3:13 (single)
8. Gettaway 3:05
9. You'll Never Change 3:44
10. I'm Comin' Home 5:15

Album Rating (1-10): 8.0

Members & Other Bands:

• Robin Jenney - Producer
• Sterling Smith - Associate Producer, Keys, Additional Arrangement (the Load, Randy Meisner, Conveniens, JD Blackfoot, Terry Reid, Beach Boys, Arthur Brown, Baron Stewart, Barry Manilow, Steve Perry, julie Brown, Bonnie Tyler, George Benson, Whitney Houston, Four Tops, Heart, Dennis Wilson, Kids of Widney High)
• Marty Pinchinson - Exec. Producer
• Morrie Herzog - Exec Producer
• Blair Forward - Bass (Kevin Costner & Modern West, Roving Boy, Man Alive, John Coinman)
• Edd Key - Rhythm Guitar, Backing Vox, Percussion, Keys (Shannon Stephens)
• Jim Lynch - Lead Guitar (The Squires)
• Mimi Rousseau - Lead Vox, Keys (Steady Fready)
• Chip Vivian - Drums, Backing Vox
• Frank Pierce - Drums, Backing Vox (Sally Fingerett, Charlie Bleak)
• Dangerous Dave Hessler - Bass (The Load, Esquires, Osiris, Danger Brothers, Beach Boys, Dennis Wilson, Brian Wilson)
• Charlie Bleak - Backing Vox (Hoi Polloi, Joe Waters, AOR)
• Craig Hull - Guitar (The Hate Boys, Wendy Waldman, Kim Carnes, Pam Tillis, Randy Meisner, Peter Cetera, Motels, Billy Thermal, Josh Leo, Bill Lamb, Joan Armatrading, Steve Perry, Julie Brown, Dwight Twilley, Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson, Barbara Streisand, Santana, Karla DeVito, Olivia Newton-John)
• Alligator Horn Section - Brass
• Frank Pierce - Additional Arrangement
• Dave Lyons - Horn Arrangement
• Kathe Schreyer - Art Direction & Design
• Chris Callis - Photography
• Margery Melton - Logo Design
• Rene Johnston - Mimi's Clothes
• Jeff Shoewalter - Road Crew Sound
• Bill Philput - Road Crew Stage Manager

Unknown-ness: Never heard of this band. But based on the clothes, I imagine them to be a power pop gritty bar band trying to latch a little on the New Wave sound.

Album Review: This is the second of two records from the Columbus OH band that started playing in pubs and hoped for a career that never expanded beyond opening for bigger bands in the area. Singer Mimi was the main focus of the band, with strong vocals and a wardrobe popular of the time. Her vocals are reminiscent of popular 70's groups like Genya Ravan's of 10 Wheel Drive, and ranges from powerful to delicate for ballads. The music incorporated the rough and tumble back alley power pop, adding in keyboards to fit into the new wave movement with vocals that sound like Blondie on "Life & Change". And Gettaway sounds like it could be a Fleetwood Mac song.

Stand Out Track: Hold Everything, Life & Change

Links:
discogs
rate your music
La Bible de la Westcoast Music
allmusic
Kent State Article 1980

(the) Michael Stanley Band - ~You Break it...You Bought It, *You Can't Fight Fashion

Name: (the) Michael Stanley Band 

Albums: ~You Break It...You Bought It, *You Can't Fight Fashion

Years: ~1975, *1983

Style: Blue Collar/Heartland Rock, Pub Rock

Similar Bands: Todd Rundgren, Utopia, John Cougar Mellencamp, J. Geils Band, Bruce Springsteen, Big Star, Bob Seger, REO Speedwagon, Kavaret, Michael McDonald

One Word Review: Dated Middle America Rock

Based Out Of: Cleveland, OH

Labels: Epic, EMI

You Break It...You Bought It - Cover & Record

You Break It...You Bought It - Back & Record

 You Can't Fight Fashion  - Cover & Record

 You Can't Fight Fashion  - Back & Record

You Break It...You Bought It (1975)

1. I'm Gonna Love You 4:04
2. Dancing In The Dark 2:59
3. Step The Way 3:32
4. Waste a Little Time on Me 3:36
5. Lost in the Funhouse Again 3:40
6. Gypsy Eyes 3:40 /
7. Face the Music 4:36
8. Sweet Refrain 3:59
9. Highway Angel 5:25
10. Where Have All The Clowns Gone 4:17
11. Song For My Children 3:01

You Can't Fight Fashion (1983)

1. Hard Time 4:25
2. Just Give Me Tonight 4:31
3. Someone Like You 5:47
4. Highlife 5:04 /
5. My Town 3:58
6. The Damage is Done 5:04
7. Fire In The Hole 4:12
8. How Can You Call This Love 4:20
9. Just How Good (A Bad Woman Feels) 4:41

Album Rating (1-10):~ 6.5

*7.0

Members & Other Bands:

~*Michael Stanley - Guitar, Vox (Silk, the Resonators, Ghost Poets)

~Jonah Koslen - Guitar, Vox (Snake Eyes, Breathless, Ghost Poets)

~Daniel Pecchio - Bass, Vox (Glass Harp, Phil Keaggy)

~*Tommy Dobeck - Drums, Comgas (Browns All-Star Band, Circus)

*Bob Pelander - Keys (Ghost Poets)

*Kevin Raleigh - Keys, Vox  (Paper Sun, Freeport Express, Freeport, Dynamite, Pictures)

* Michael Gismondi - Bass 

*Rick Bell - Sax

*Danny Powers - Guitar

*Bob Clearmountain - Producer, Mixing

~Asheton Gorton - Cover

~Jimmy Wachtel - Design

~Allan Blazek - Engineer

~Ed Mashal - Engineer

~Paul Harris - Keys (Manassas, Southern-Hillman-Furay Band, session work)

~Huey Chopburn - Percussion

~Henry Diltz - Photography

~Bill Szymczyk - Producer, Engineer

~Albhy Galuten - Synth (other work)

Unknown-ness: I've never heard of this band, but between the general head-of-a-band name, and the mechanical / factory nature of the artwork, I'm guessing this is roots rock n roll: general Americana midwestern hick rock. Just how much will it be like Bruce Springsteen, though (not that I am a fan of or know much of the boss's catalog)

Album Review: Michael Stanley and the MSB are the epitome of local superstars with only moderate success outside of the region. Michael Stanley began in a band in college, and recorded two solo albums after that, while regional managing a record chain. From there he started the MSB in 1974, and starting in ’75, released an album a year for 12 years (skipping ’85). Most were on major labels, until they were unceremoniously dropped following You Can’t Fight Fashion. Their final 2 records were self-released. They hold some local concert attendance records, and their hit My Town, from YCFF, is still played by the Ohio State band at sports events. They finished their career together with a string of 12 concerts back in 86.

~”I'm Gonna Love You” was a single. Power Pop chords and a driving bass drum beat start off the slice of Americana pride. It rocks out with some near country electric guitar and fades out in the end.

“Dancing In The Dark” begins like a Big Star track, then changes direction into piano ballad territory.

“Step The Way” has a slightly dark town, and comes off like a prog rock track, reminding me of Kavaret.

“Waste a Little Time on Me” sounds like a country rock slow dance with some dated synth at the very end.

“Lost in the Funhouse Again” is a funky prog rock song, thanks to the disco bass. The whining electric guitar plays the song out over a gospel chorus of whoo-ho-hoos.

“Gypsy Eyes” relaxes from the energy in the last song with a soft whisper of a ballad. Power builds into the chorus, but the delivery is slow and methodical.

“Face the Music” was also a single. It starts right away with a fun bouncy bass line, dipping into bluesy pub rock and applying an underlying psychedelic organ. The chorus is powerful and catchy. This is the best song up to this point.

“Sweet Refrain” shifts gears quite suddenly to another quiet AM Radio ballad. Right before the chorus it uses a hook stolen from the Velvet Underground’s “Sweet Jane.”  Perhaps that is the reason/ inspiration for the song in the first place.

“Highway Angel” begins with some slide guitar and funky guitars after a bit of dialogue. This would fit into the country rock camp.

“Where Have All The Clowns Gone” ” is a soft song, with a bit of a Soul Asylum feel to it, such as the soft verse in Black Gold.

“Song For My Children It is a respectful sentimental song and bleeds right in from the previous track. The end talks about being so high, and it feels like a mellow cloud walk, so I can only imagine the meaning.

*”Hard Time” starts off with a chugging bass line and dark, wind swept guitar and synth melodies. The vocals are drawn out and accented a little like Michael McDonald.

“Just Give Me Tonight” blasts out with sax and an upbeat tempo. Blue Collar vocals and general rock power through, along with some harmonies. The chorus sounds a little like Jackson Brown’s “Somebody’s Baby” from Fast Times at Ridgemont High.

“Someone Like You” was a single, and sung by Kevin Raleigh. It reached #75 on the Billboard Magazine chart. The vocals are higher, perhaps a little Rod Stewart-ish, without the raspy-ness. But there is a very nice, fun drive in the chorus. Maybe sounding a bit like The Police’s “Don’t Stand So Close To Me.” And it ends on an energetic high that fades out.

“Highlife” is a sinister synth song, with sax intro. The vocals are the exaggerated McDonald style again, and the chorus gives a lighter clarity to the song’s dark verse.

“My Town” was a single, and is still performed by Ohio State’s band. It reached #39 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It has a very Bruce Springsteen or John C. Mellencamp feel to it right away. It’s a chugging, energetic sing along.

“The Damage is Done” is a reflective slow piano based song with lots of ethereal, ambient synth sounds in the background. It sounds very dated to the early 80’s era…complete with sax solo.

“Fire In The Hole” is about a mining disaster. It has a nervous, synth energy, and the vocals are different than the first couple songs full of loud emotion. The end of the song has a bit of call and response with an army of miners chanting the song title at each other.

“How Can You Call This Love” sounds like it is sung by a woman. It is a typical smoothly energetic Footloose style song, swinging tempo from resting to rushing at the drop of the chorus. Electric guitar flourishes, reminding me a little of Beat it, are added for texture.

“Just How Good (A Bad Woman Feels)” is a country hard rock song, with exaggerated vocals a bit like Michael McDonald.

Stand Out Track: ~Face The Music

*My Town

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Junta - Junta EP

Name: Junta

Album: Junta EP

Year: 1984

Style: Alternative, Post-Modern, Art Rock, Experimental, Post-Punk

Similar Bands: Violent Femmes, XTC, Talking Heads, Wire, Gang of Four, Jonathan Richman, Residents

One Word Review: Organic, Ritualistic Beatnik Spasms

Based Out Of: West Chester, Ohio

Label: Day One Records

 Junta - Cover & 45 Side

Junta - Back & 33 Side

Junta (1984)

1. Zaire 4:57
2. Another Horse Story 4:58 /
3. Waldo 3:59
4. Roman Blood 5:38
5. Tar & Soil (live) 4:32

Album Rating (1-10): 8.0

Members & Other Bands:
Jay McCubbin - Bass (Wolverton Brothers)
Bill Stuart - Guitars (Wolverton Brothers)
Paul Stewart - Bass, Lap Steel, (Jesus Boy vox at 10 y/o) (Redmath)
Jerry Hunter - Percussion (Steve Eaves)
Gary Shell - Producer, Engineer
Wayne Hartman - Engineer
Skip Williams - Added Percussion Live Track
Luther Wright - Added Percussion Live Track
K. Alvin Combs - Cover Art
Ken Allan - Photos
Tracey Kameru - Photos
Hathaway - Photos
Burkhart - Photos

Unknown-ness: I've never heard of this band. And I admit, I was not so inclined to pick up the record based on the artwork or  design. It looks like the work of a trying-too-hard weird experimental band with lots of sounds, but not much melody. But I was persuaded to buy it for a dollar when I saw that each side was at a different speed. I liked that eccentricity, so for 5 songs, I figured it would not be too bad.

Album Review: Not much is out there about this Ohio band. The name describes a power/group taking control of a government by force. They have been called a new wave band, an experimental art band, and a global dance rock band. Two of the guys in the band adopted the stage-last-name of Wolverton, and are in the more popular Wolverton Brothers, still an active band. While all of the elements together would make me think this is an awesome band, the finished product falls flat for an undefined reason. Lots of potential, but it is just needs a little more direction.

“Zaire” fades in with a chugging, organic wood block and guitar lick. Dark bass supports, creating a topsy-turvy atmosphere. Jangle, Violent Femmes style guitar begins, and a Gang of Four, monotone droning vocal mechanically over the calculated backing track. There are a lot of time changes in the song, making it similar to some of the complexities in XTC or the percussiveness of the Talking Heads. The vocals take on some chants and spastic spitting yowls, like Andy Partridge was famous for early on. The song continues to drive the entire time. It is an odd blend of earthy and cold production intermixing and existing at the same time.

“Another Horse Story” features some haunting, synthetic coyote howls. A disjointed bouncy bass line parallels some rattling, jangely guitars. The dark, monotone vocals pick up a down ward melody in short segments that reminds of Jonathan Richman. It is beatniky, and sparse, and features some extra synth effects and overall, boils down some Talking Heads elements into basics and just repeats them to where they feel like there is no jittery end in sight, and it ends abruptly.

“Waldo” has a shaky, skatty drum that is all over the place, but carries a distinct urgency. A vibrating bass line adds to the mystery, as well as gentle synth hum. Off key organ notes drop out of the keyboard, and the up and down bass line moves the song along. Layered dark, chanting vocals sprawl over the music, which has intensified with an individual note plucked guitar hook. The chanting of Waldo feels like they are doing a ritual sacrifice to some ram headed god.

“Roman Blood” is introduced with a child’s voice. Probably a sample, singing “Jesus don’t forget me.” The conga drum is alive in the background, and a smoky jazzy trumpet creates an improv, interactive poetry slam vibe. The horn echos, offering a weird and off-putting-on-purpose vibe. The pace picks up, and the disorienting atmosphere they have created kicks the listener off spinning. The vocals turn to a call and response tactic, very theatrical, which brings back a manageable melody. But this too has skittering cockroach percussion in the background, creating a very nervous and tense feeling. The song ends with an intense repetitive shout chanting, which turns from mostly unintelligible to muttering sounds. And with a heavy breath, the whole song just gives out.
“Tar & Soil (live)” illustrates what their live show must have been like. It starts out sounding like the Residents with the weird effect in the background, and a little Mr. Bungle with the rapidly played guitar. The vocals are chanty, but have a softer edge. The guitar calms down a little and it takes on a Talking Heads style, but I imagine the live performance was a multi-media experience. The bass is mixed down, and is not as huge of a force as the rest of the album.

Stand Out Track: Zaire

Links:
Discogs
Spin Mag 9/85
City Beat Wolverton Bros Article
Sonic Bids Wolverton Bros
Terminal Boredom short description

Buckner & Garcia - Pac-Man Fever

Band: Buckner & Garcia
Album: Pac-Man Fever
Year: 1982
Style: Novelty
Similar Bands: Weird Al, Dr. Demento, The Megas
"One-Word" Review: Juveniley-Embarrassing-Fun-Pop
Based Out Of: Akron, Ohio
Label: CBS, Columbia,

Pac Man Fever - Cover & Sleeve

Pac Man Fever - Back & Sleeve

Pac-Man Fever (1982)

1. Pac-Man Fever 3:56
2. Froggy's Lament 3:27
3. Ode to Centipede 5:37
4. Do the Donkey Kong 4:32 /
5. Hyperspace 4:15
6. The Defender 4:09
7. Mousetrap 4:08
8. Goin' Bezerk 4:23

Album Rating (1-10): 7.0

Members & Bands:

Jerry Buckner - Vox, Producer, Cowbell, String Polyensemble, Space Gun

Gary Garcia - Vox, Producer, Keys, String Polyensemble, (Grupo Ladron)

Ginny Whitaker - Drums

Larry McDonald - Bass
Chris Bowman - Guitar

Rick Hinkle - Guitar

Mike Stewart - Moog
David "Cozy" Cole - Percussion
Steve Carlisle - Backing Vox
Sharon Scott - background vox
Greg Quesnel - Engineer
Bob Ludwig - Mastering
John Berg - Design
David Kennedy - Photography

Unknowness: I've definitely heard of Pac-Man Fever, and the song it parodies, Cat Scratch Fever has a universally known melody...but I've never heard the song, let alone know that there was a whole album of novelty Atari video game songs. I love the more recent band, The Megas, who take the theme song to each Mega Man 2 level, and put lyrics to it. I can only hope this is similar somehow. I've got a grasp on 7 of the 8 songs, as to what game they reference (not sure about hyperspace), so it should be fun. I'm not expecting much, in fact, I anticipate that I will not be able to sit though the entire album out of lyrical embarrassment.

Album Review: “Pac-Man Fever” is apparently a parody of Cat Scratch Fever, but it does not sound spot on. It begins with Pac-Man sound effects, and then it begins with a stripped down, electronic parody of Cat Scratch. Rather than guitar solos and accents, it features more video game sound effects. And the lyrics are very descriptive of events that take place in the famous video game, which, I gather, is par for this concept album.
“Froggy's Lament” explains, in extraordinary repetition and detail, the strategy of Frogger from the frog’s perspective. We are first introduced with the music from the game. The vocals are deep like a bullfrog’s would be. There is a chorus of vocals singing ‘go froggy go.’ The song is slightly catchy, and a bit electro-prog. The song ends with the music played over sound effects as if the game was in play at the time of recording.
“Ode to Centipede” begins with a Journey - Separate Ways like intro mixed with the game’s sound effects…which might have been planned, since in the game play, the centipede is split when you shoot it, and the pieces do go their separate ways. The instrumental sections include a monotone voice, as the voice from the player’s perspective. Again, the lyrics are a mix of metaphoric emotion for the video game characters and a description of the game play. It is kind of embarrassing with lyrics like “Go ahead and run your little legs off / do you have Nikes for all of them?” At least the chorus is catchy and could be seen as more of a general lyric outside of the game. But this is the same embarrassed yet enjoyable feeling I get when listening to the Megas put lyrics to various Mega Man level themes.
“Do the Donkey Kong” starts off with game effects and a drum loop. The lyrics, again, describe the game, and the tempo and style is like a soft 70’s AOR rock song, with a little country style with the verses. If this were a song about a dance, it would be “Locomotion” right down to identical song structure. It is not too bad actually, if it were, you know, not about Donkey Kong.

“Hyperspace” is a little jazzier, quicker and dancier, and reminds me of Lionel Ritchie for some reason. This song, about Asteroids, also includes samples from the game, as if a game of it were being played.
“The Defender” samples the deafening thunderous shooting from the game, which is eventually overlapped by a bouncy pop-piano melody, and the song, a rock ballad of sorts, begins.
“Mousetrap” is as close to a bluesy pub rock song as they will ever get. The vocals are trying to be gritty, but the musical production is smooth, done I suspect to make sure that the lyrics (which are the center stage product) are completely audible and understandable.
“Goin' Bezerk” begins like an Air Supply ballad, but quite early on, the game audio is included overlapping the piano. The song has a very fun rolling melody, and most of the lyrics are just abstract enough that they could be seen as not about a video game, and have a more universal appeal.

If you can, listen to all these songs, especially if you were ever a fan of the video games these songs instruct upon. The songs are not that bad, but may make you blush out of disbelieve that they exist. They are definitely worth hearing once, and each one, although the same format across the board is inherently different and interesting for one reason or another. There is merit in these songs, buried below the silly conceptual surface. Just give them a chance if you can scrape off the novelty.

Stand Out Track: Pac Man Fever

Links:

album Wiki

band Wiki

website

Gary's Passing

CD Baby
Atlanta Article
allmusic
Jerry's site
Retro Crush Interview